Stars at the CHAN: ‘Win over Libya today crucial’

Today’s crucial showdown between the local Black Stars and their libyan counterparts promises to be a cagey and gruelling encounter as both sides are seriously poised for qualification.

Ahead of the encounter, Ghana’s tactician, Maxwell Konadu, has underlined the huge task that his boys would face at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

He insists the Libyans have one of the strongest sides in the tournament, saying, “there is no doubt that the Libyans are enterprising, youthful and above all a compact side capable of creating problems for any side”. 

Maxwell’s counterpart, Javier Clemente, is also cautious and reserves a great deal of respect for the Ghanaian team. He told the media yesterday that his team would go into today’s match with the same approach as they did against Ethiopia whom they beat 2-0 in their first game, but with variations.           

The game could possibly decide the fate of both teams in terms of qualification for the next stage of the tournament. 

Already, skipper Jordan Opoku had given indication that there was more work to be done with respect to the performance and chances of the team. 

Indeed, this is a strong clue that  the Stars consider any form of complacency and lack of concentration as obstacles to their quest to progress in the tournament.

 A convincing win over Libya is, therefore, crucial to enhance the chances of the team in the competition.

 Since their first game against Congo Brazzaville, Ghanaians following the exploits of the Stars have been edgy about the team’s campaign  and have called on Coach Maxwell Konadu to beef up the attack since the team need more goals to be in contention.    

Of course, Maxwell Konadu has some assurance of safety at the back where Kwabena Adusei and sweeper Nuru Sulley have shown great partnership. The midfield of Richard Mpong, Jordan Opoku and Yahaya Mohammed, is yet to inspire hope  the same way as striker Sulley Mohammed has failed to do. 

This is the task that confronts Maxwell Konadu and success will depend on how he resolves this problem.